Mr. Robert Wong gave a comment regarding his family's experiences with the robotics team. 

Student Robyn Wong gave a comment on her experiences on the robotics team. 

Closed session convened at 7:13 p.m.

Public session resumed at 6:27 p.m.

Dr. Webber reported that no action had been taken in Closed session.

None

On a nomination by Ray Santiago, seconded by Leslie Heimov, Dr. Jo Webber was nominated for the position of Board President.

Brief discussion on the election of the vice president ensued.

Dr. Webber commented that she had attended a Da Vinci School archery meeting, and was impressed by the passion of the coaches and students. 70 students tried out for 20 spaces, and the team placed very high in last year's tournament.  Dr Webber asked Dr. Wunder if the program could be expanded to Connect TK-8. Dr. Wunder will 

Ms. Heimov noted that she was pleased to see that RISE was invited to join the Giving List, a prestigious annual philanthropic publications which highlights deserving organizations.

Dr. Wunder acknowledged Ms. Heimov was instrumental in the formation of Da Vinci RISE High, and being awarded the XQ Super School grant. He also noted that Mr. Erin Whalen had been called away for an ill family member, and so his planned presentation will be pushed to the October meeting.

Dr. Wunder also commented on the expansion of the performing arts program, crediting Ms. Christina Joubert on her work in coordinating the effort and partnering with the Wiseburn Unified School District and Wiseburn community.

He thanked the Board for their continued support. He also spoke of the efforts of principals and teachers, and noted an employee wellness plan that will be presented to the Board, most likely in the Spring.

Dr. Webber noted the teacher shortage and the importance of keeping the staff healthy.

Postponed

Mr. Amato discussed financial results through August 31, 2023, covering balance sheets and profit and loss statements, saying that the current financial position is normal for this time of the year, with back-to-school expenses being paid. He shared that local revenue is higher than anticipated due to higher interest over the past two months.  Another positive revenue variance is the the result of an unbudgeted federal grant to support Da Vinci's National School Lunch Program operations. 

Mr. Amato commented that he was seeking the Board's approval of the net operating reserves, now that the unaudited actuals have been finalized. 1% of revenue must be deposited into deferred maintenance. Mr. Amato has made designations for future economic uncertainty of 20% of total expenses, the CTE Studio, and ERC funding (for Da Vinci and RISE). Undesignated funds are $813,476. 

Mr. Santiago inquired about the $1.5M funds that were once designated for the soccer field, which is no longer Da Vinci's responsibility. Brief discussion ensued.

Mr. Amato went on to discuss the fiscal policies on the agenda for approval. The amounts for staff meals on professional development days are being increased in alignment with IRS guidelines. Expense reimbursements for conference travel are now required to include purchase receipts.

He also noted Education Protection Account (EPA) funding. The State government requires Da Vinci to state where the EPA funding will be spent. The school sites' amounts vary according to which of the State's funding methods are used. Science and Design are funded from the State's old method accounts, and Communications and Connect are funded by the new accounts.

Mr. Bravo noted the CTE Studio meeting, awaiting Erickson Hall's estimate. He expects to bring an actual realistic cost of the project to the Board's next meeting. Demolition is slated to begin in February, with construction ending in August.

Phase 1 and some phase 2 items will be included in the cost next month.

PDK is the architecture firm that Wiseburn has contracted with for the soccer field. They are currently working on design. NAZ is presenting designs for the bleachers, scoreboards, etc.

Coaches, players, and the previous and current athletic directors have given input. Approximate start groundbreaking is set for April, with a June or July completion date.

Mr. Meath inquired if the original plans included bleachers. Mr. Bravo shared that the plans for 700-800 person bleachers were included in the plan. The soccer field will be the designated evacuation site in an emergency, so bleachers will be crucial.

Dr. Webber inquired about outside usage of the field. The local AYSO would be incorporated into the schedule on weekends. During the week, the field would be used by Da Vinci for practices and games. Other clubs would be able to rent space as available.  

Mr. Bravo noted the soccer field dimensions would be sufficient for girls flag football, and lacrosse teams could use it for practice. The scoreboard will be an LED board for maximum flexibility.

Dr. Wunder noted that the Wiseburn and DV boards were clear that they would not host tackle football due to student injury risk.

Mr. Meath inquired about management of the soccer field. Mr. Bravo replied that the field would be managed by Da Vinci through Facilitron. The rental revenue would go to Da Vinci. Floodlights have already been installed.

Ms. Heimov inquired about corporate advertising. Dr. Wunder replied that Da Vinci has never sold naming rights, but has put the names of corporate partners which have given service and financial benefits to Da Vinci around the schools. Brief discussion of the necessity of an advertising policy ensued. 

45 surveillance cameras have been added to the security system.

Mr. Bravo is obtaining estimates for Connect TK-8's HVAC. Mr. John Fernandez has done an amazing job of stretching out the HVAC's lifespan, but it is now definitely time to replace the systems.

Last, Mr. Bravo shared the plans for dealing with the upcoming shutdown of El Segundo Blvd. due to repair of the sinkhole on Douglas Street.

Mr. Santiago asked how often the Board would hear from Ms. Joubert. Beginning with the October board meeting, Ms. Joubert will present an update each month. The Student Board members will also begin their updates in October.

None needed.